My Brothers, I stand
before you at this sacred DeMolay altar so that I may explain to you the
symbolism of the beautiful insignia of our Order. The insignia was
designed by the founder of our great Order: Dad Frank S. Land. He
designed it as a pin and symbol that recognizes us as DeMolays and their
representatives. Every part of this insignia has a particular
significance, and we as DeMolays should know them by heart.
The CROWN is symbolic of the
Crown of Youth and constantly reminds a DeMolay of his obligations and
the seven precepts of this Order: filial love, reverence for sacred
things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism.
The TEN PRECIOUS STONES of the
crown honor our father, Frank S. Land, and the nine youths whose ties of
friendship drew them together in the formation of the Order of DeMolay.
The Red Rubies honor those who have passed away. The pearls represent
those living members of the original nine. When, as comes to every man,
the final summons for each of this honored group, a red ruby takes the
place of a pearl.
The HELMET is emblematic of
chivalry which we as DeMolays display through our courtesy and respect
for womanhood and without which there can be no fineness of character.
The CRESCENT is a sign of secrecy
and constantly reminds DeMolays of their duty never to reveal the
secrets of our Order or to betray the confidence of a friend. The
five-armed WHITE CROSS symbolizes the purity of your intentions to
always remember the motto of the Order: No DeMolay shall fail as a
citizen, as a leader and as a man.
The CROSSED SWORDS denote
justice, fortitude and mercy. They symbolize the increasing warfare of
DeMolay against arrogance, despotism and intolerance.
The STARS surrounding the
crescent are symbolic of hope and should always remind us of those
obligations and duties which one Brother of the Order owes to another.
Be sure to wear this insignia proudly, whether it be on a pin or on a
crest. Don't wear it to any place where you would be ashamed to take
your mother, sister or "best girl". Remember, in all humility, when you
wear this emblem, you are representing and speaking for over three
million other DeMolays scattered throughout the world and who cannot,
for the moment, speak for themselves.
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